This is the ninth installment of this innovation column. We have talked about innovation from many angles—Innovation Week, Innovation District and leveraging innovation and assets toward job creation. But what is innovation? How do you innovate? Let’s talk about that today. I’ve spent a lot of time the last few months learning about local startups and some of the revolutionary things they’re doing in Fredericton like Resson Aerospace, Mycodev Group and ReadyPass Services Inc. Through my research, I discovered innovation is many things. It’s a goal. It’s mindset. It’s a practice. It’s an idea. It’s a product. It’s a solution. It’s hard to pin down right?

There are a number of strategic immigration initiatives underway, and it timely to provide a community update in terms of how the City of Fredericton is addressing newcomers’ needs.

For those who may not be aware, Ignite Fredericton is the City of Fredericton’s economic development catalyst agency, also responsible for municipal immigration efforts.

In 2011, the City of Fredericton made a critical decision to invest in a dedicated Immigration Coordinator position, to address population growth and skill shortages challenges. This position, now referred to as the Population Growth Specialist, is currently housed at Ignite Fredericton, and Adriana Rivas is the point person coordinating efforts, hosting immigrants during their exploratory visits, conducting ongoing follow-up during the immigration process, and r...